Shining White Stars

Strong seasons for both the Del Norte High softball and baseball teams were rewarded, with several players being selected to the Humboldt-Del Norte All-League White Star team.

The girl's softball squad received five White Stars and one honorable mention. The baseball team received one White Star and three honorable mentions.

Softball

Senior softball player McKinnze Holden was given the honor of being named all-league Most Valuable Player, which head coach Jackie Heuberger said was well-deserved.

Holden was a vital piece to the Warriors amazing season. Del Norte finished the year with a sterling 21-4 mark, winning the Big 5 Conference and earning a first-round berth in the playoffs, before losing to Drake High 2-0 in extra innings on May 24 in Crescent City.

Heuberger said Holden was a vital component to the team's terrific season as both a pitcher and hitter, and playing positions like second base and outfield.

She had the second highest batting average on the team and went 9-1 as a pitcher.

"She was just a really good player for us," Heuberger said.

First team honors for the girls included sophomore pitcher Alyssa Bergquist, who finished the year with a 11-3 record, and along with Holden, formed a formidable pitching tandem that gave up very few runs.

Only a freshman, Lauryn Lesina played like a seasoned pro during her first year of high school softball. She was an excellent hitter, smacking three home runs and was a solid presence behind the plate as the Warriors catcher.

Sophomore Jessica Morrow was known for her excellent defensive skills, making countless key plays during the year. Sophomore Michelle Stacey, who played third base, was the teams top hitter with a .495 batting average, smacking three homers, and was known for her powerful blasts to all corners of the outfield.

Tasheena Natt, who played first base, was named to the honorable mention team.

Heuberger said it was hard to pick the top players, saying the entire team performed so well this year. With the majority of players returning next year, she expects big things from her squad in 2008.

Baseball

The Warriors varsity baseball team had senior Kevin Walsworth named to the White Star team.

Walsworth went 4-2 as a pitcher and had a .474 batting average. Currently a member of the Chico Colts semi-pro team and the Del Norte Grizzlies American Legion squad, Walsworth will continue his baseball career at Butte College in Orville.

Justin Yslas, Evan O'Brien, Joey Yeoman and Chad Freeman were named to the honorable mention team. All made substantial contributions to the Warriors successful year. After a 6-16 record the year before, the Warriors, under Pablo Lorenzi, who came back to coach the boys varsity squad after a several year absence, made great strides.

For the season, the Warriors finished 11-12 overall after going 0-4 to start the season. Del Norte was 5-7 in the Big 5 Conference and almost earned a potential playoff berth.